Shenkar College future designers: Meet Amir Shavit

When it comes to finding talented emerging designers, it’s easy to look to the famous global fashion schools first, think New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology or the London College of Fashion. But this season the spotlight is on a more unlikely contestant, Shenkar College based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The school has produced notable alumni such as Alber Elbaz, formerly of Lanvin and Kobi Halperin of Elie Tahari. Led by Leah Peretz (the head of Fashion Design at Shenkar) students are encouraged to blend both the conceptual and technical aspects of design during their four-year undergraduate studies tapping the engineering and art department for interdisciplinary courses.

WGSN Youth Editor Sarah Owen travelled to Gindi Tel Aviv Fashion Week to meet the emerging talent from Shenkar College for this series.

Today she puts the spotlight on student Amir Shavit…

DESIGNER PROFILE

Name: Amir Shavit

Age: 25

Inspiration for your student collection: There were two different projects: the first was a denim “make do and mend” policy juxtaposed with Japanese feudal dress and a Wabi Sabi philosophy. The other was Monty Python and Richard Billingham, bringing rude nonsense to tailoring.

What do you love about Shenkar? I think Shenkar teaches a good combination of technical skills and creative process. The tutor/student relationship is very open; each mentor gets really involved in the students work.

How important is social media when designing your collection? Social media is important for recognition and exposure, but I don’t think of it when designing. I try to stay true to emotional and intellectual research without hashtagging the process 24\7.

Like what you just read? Check out Sarah’s latest photography and what she’s seen – follow her on Instagram @sarahsarahowen.